Whiplash is a type of neck injury that takes place when the head moves back and forth suddenly.
This most often takes place in situations such as a car accident, and the discomfort can be overwhelming from damage to the spin and surrounding soft tissue. Anyone that has recently gotten whiplash from an auto accident should immediately seek out professional medical attention, contact a personal injury attorney, and keep these few tips in mind to ease the pain.
Ice
If the whiplash is relatively mild and there is no permanent damage, then the first step that you can take is to ice the area. Ice packs can be applied to the neck, shoulders, and head for periods of 10 to 30 minutes in order to reduce swelling and ease the pain. This can be done for the first 24 to 72 hours and a towel should always be placed between the ice pack and the individual's skin to prevent frostbite.
If the whiplash is relatively mild and there is no permanent damage, then the first step that you can take is to ice the area. Ice packs can be applied to the neck, shoulders, and head for periods of 10 to 30 minutes in order to reduce swelling and ease the pain. This can be done for the first 24 to 72 hours and a towel should always be placed between the ice pack and the individual's skin to prevent frostbite.
Heat
After the 72 hour mark, or whenever the pain and swelling has gone down considerably, you can then switch over to heat. Unlike ice that is used to limit the discomfort and swelling, heat will help the body repair itself while relaxing the muscles. Heat packs can be applied to the neck, shoulders, and head for the same amount of time as ice packs, but this should only be done once every 2 or 3 hours. Those who do not have a heat pack can simply add rice to a fabric bag and then microwave it for 1 to 3 minutes.
After the 72 hour mark, or whenever the pain and swelling has gone down considerably, you can then switch over to heat. Unlike ice that is used to limit the discomfort and swelling, heat will help the body repair itself while relaxing the muscles. Heat packs can be applied to the neck, shoulders, and head for the same amount of time as ice packs, but this should only be done once every 2 or 3 hours. Those who do not have a heat pack can simply add rice to a fabric bag and then microwave it for 1 to 3 minutes.
Over-The-Counter Medication
Unless the damage is severe, OTC medication should be enough for the discomfort. If this medication does not make the pain bearable, patients should immediately speak with their primary healthcare provider about further testing as serious damage may have taken place. The best type of OTC medication for whiplash is an NSAID. This medication will help with the pain and swelling and is relatively safe for the liver when taken in the correct dose.
Unless the damage is severe, OTC medication should be enough for the discomfort. If this medication does not make the pain bearable, patients should immediately speak with their primary healthcare provider about further testing as serious damage may have taken place. The best type of OTC medication for whiplash is an NSAID. This medication will help with the pain and swelling and is relatively safe for the liver when taken in the correct dose.
Long-Term Relief
After the immediate care, it is time to begin thinking about long-term professional treatment. If the damage is mild enough, then the spine and soft tissue may eventually heal itself. For most patients, however, professional treatments such as chiropractic care and acupuncture will speed up the healing process. Another common option is steroidal injections that reduce pain and swelling during physical therapy. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may want to consult with Ramzy Ladah or an injury attorney in your area to get the legal help you need to get through the ordeal financially.
Injuries to the head and neck should never be taken lightly, and anyone that has recently experienced these types of accidents must find immediate medical and legal help in order to protect their health and future.
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she's used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
After the immediate care, it is time to begin thinking about long-term professional treatment. If the damage is mild enough, then the spine and soft tissue may eventually heal itself. For most patients, however, professional treatments such as chiropractic care and acupuncture will speed up the healing process. Another common option is steroidal injections that reduce pain and swelling during physical therapy. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may want to consult with Ramzy Ladah or an injury attorney in your area to get the legal help you need to get through the ordeal financially.
Injuries to the head and neck should never be taken lightly, and anyone that has recently experienced these types of accidents must find immediate medical and legal help in order to protect their health and future.
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she's used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
0 comments:
Post a Comment